Trajan's Arch

The Arch of Trajan is a Roman triumphal arch located in the city of Timgad, near Batna [1]. The three vaulted arch composed the western gate of the city, at the beginning of the Decumanus Maximus and the end of the road coming from Lambaesis [1]. The arch reaches a height of 12 metres, with a central arch of 6 metres in height which permitted the passage of vehicles that have left deep ruts in the ground under the archway [1]. The lateral arches, each 3.75 metres high, were reserved for pedestrians [1]. Above the lateral arches on both sides are deep rectangular niches, which are flanked by aediculae with smooth-stemmed Corinthian columns of coloured marble on shelves [1]. The niches were designed to hold statues, which are now lost [1].